Getting Ready for College

College or University is here and classes are getting ready to start or a just starting. Here are a few things I like to do/tips to get myself ready for the start of a new semester.

1. School supplies: I like to buy the essential school supplies such as folders, notebooks, pencils, pens, note cards and highlighters before any classes have started. Sometimes professors like to start teaching on the first day of class so make sure you are prepared.

2. Syllabus: Most people consider the first week in college or university to be syllabus week. I have quickly learned how untrue that is. Freshmen year maybe but as you move up higher and higher syllabus week turns into syllabus hour. So make sure once you get your syllabus for said class you write down all the test/projects, important due dates and get any material as soon as possible for that class.

3. Studying: As much as we all dislike studying it is essential in being successful. Even in the first week, start making some flash cards of material you may have covered. Read ahead in the text book just in case you are busy one day studying for another class. A good tip on reading ahead is to highlight whatever you think is important. Review the highlighted information before class to give your brain a refresh.

4. Free Time: And of course I can't forget free time. It is great to focus on academics but set an hour or so aside before bed or whenever to have some time to yourself. We all need to whine down from a stressful day full of learning. I like to hang out with a few friends and watch a television show or spend one day out of the week strictly for fun. It all depends on you as a person though and what works for you.

Hope these tips help. Here is to a new school year! Good luck!

Band Camp Essentials

With band camp in the midst or already happening there are some key essentials that you will need beside the usual instrument, drill, and music.

1. Sunscreen. Protect yourself from those harmful UV rays. I recommend Banana Boat Sport Performance coolzone. It has a refreshing feel as well as a being water resistant.
2. Bug spray. Bug bites are killer so I use Off! Deep Woods to stay free of bug bites
3. Sunglasses/Hat. Any pair of sunglasses or a hat should suffice
4. Water bottle. Staying hydrated is key during band camp. Try to have a liter water bottle so you do not have to keep filling up each break.
5. Bag to carry all these items. Any bag should work to carry these items since they are relatively small.

These few tips should help immensely during band camp and the rest of the season. Good luck at band camp!

First Year College Experience

With back to school approaching rapidly, I thought I'd give some advice on my first year college experience.

Since I go to an out of state university, I thought I would be scared, homesick and ready to transfer to a college/university back in my home town. Thanks to an amazing first year, however, I stayed and will be graduating in a couple of years.

Some ways that helped with my first year experience are:

1. Making a class schedule that I knew worked best for me.
2. Picking a roommate who enjoyed doing the same things I did.
3. Attending school functions (football games, basketball games, homecoming) with my friends.
4. Breaking out of my shell and getting to know everyone on my floor.
5. Having one of the best RA's.
6. Managing my time wisely.

and lastly,

7. Visiting my family and friends during breaks (Thanksgiving, Winter, Summer).

Everyone's first year experience is different some bad and some good. All you have to do is figure out what works for you.

Enjoy the school year.